Washington, DC (June 15, 2017) — Today, the Fiber Broadband Associations (FBA) submitted comments in response to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) notice of proposed rulemaking on docket number 17-84. FBA commends the FCC's effort to explore ways to remove burdensome regulations and other barriers inhibiting broadband deployment nationwide, which is essential to accelerate the deployment of next generation networks.

Demand for higher-performance broadband services by consumers, businesses, and institutions is skyrocketing. In response, broadband service providers are rapidly deploying all-fiber networks capable of meeting this growing demand. However, providers continue to encounter barriers from some of the entities that own or control the critical infrastructure that is necessary to broadband deployment. These barriers effectively thwart faster deployment while generating significant capital expenses that often stall projects before they can even begin.

In today’s filing, FBA proposed several significant steps that would reduce barriers while making it easier, faster, and less costly to deploy next generation networks.

First, the Commission should amend its pole attachment rules to address practices of many pole owners and existing attachers that delay and increase the cost of access.

Third, the Commission should adopt criteria that can be used to readily determine which state and local laws and regulations violate Section 253 of the Communications Act and inhibit broadband deployment.

“The Commission's effort to streamline regulations is essential to deploying robust fiber networks that are capable of meeting the needs of communities throughout the U.S.,” said Fiber Broadband Association President and CEO Heather Burnett Gold. “Our proposals offer immediate steps that the FCC can take to provide the regulatory relief needed so providers can deliver faster, more affordable and more accessible broadband to consumers and businesses alike.”

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About the Fiber Broadband Association

The Fiber Broadband Association—formerly the Fiber to the Home Council Americas—is the largest and only trade association in the Americas dedicated to the pursuit of all fiber optic network infrastructure to the home, to the business, and to everywhere. The Fiber Broadband Association helps providers make informed decisions about how, where, and why to build better broadband networks with fiber optics, while counting on its members to lead the organization forward, collaborate with industry allies, and propel fiber optic deployment forward. Since 2001, these companies, organizations, and people have worked with our communities and consumers in mind to build a better broadband future here and around the world. Learn more at fiberbroadband.org.

The Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) is thrilled to welcome B+T Group as its newest premier member. B+T Group provides turnkey services and top-notch infrastructure solutions throughout the United St...